We know this is your first time applying for your first job but thankfully we have been here before and know what you are thinking! We have prepared a few FAQ’s which may give the answer you are looking for.
Got a question? Email us today for a direct reply.

1. What is ACE?
ACE stands for Advanced Choice of Employment and it is a collaborative recruitment scheme that assists applicants seeking for first year House Officer positions within the New Zealand health system.

2. How do I apply to ACE?
Visit www.acenz.net.nz and register for an account. You will have the opportunity to log in and amend details of your ACE application until the closing date.

3. What documents do I need to submit to take part in the ACE match?
• Online ACE application form
• Curriculum vitae
• Three completed ACE referee report forms- - All written references must be accompanied by completed ACE referee report forms from the same referee should you wish for it to be included in your ACE application.
• Certified hard copy or original copy of your most recent academic transcript
• Certified hard copy of your residency documents - photo page of New Zealand passport, photo page of an overseas passport accompanied by the relevant visa page or New Zealand drivers licence accompanied by birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
• Cover letter(s) (Optional)

4. Who can certify my documents?
• Justice of the Peace
• Court Registrars
• Lawyers
You are also welcome to bring in the original documents to the ACE office to have the documents validated for the ACE process but ACE cannot legally certify documents.

5. Who can complete my ACE reference forms?
ACE reference forms can be completed by a Consultant, SMO or a General Practitioner. ACE only accepts references obtained from your 5th year and/or TI year placements where the referee has observed your skills in a clinical setting.

6. How many ACE references can I submit?
You may submit up to five references to ACE but only your top three references will be included in your final ACE application.

7. Am I able to defer my start date?
Yes. Please detail the date you wish to start giving specific reasons as to why you wish to defer your start date on the application form.

8. What are the selection criteria that the DHBs use to rank the applicants?
ACE encourages the applicants to get in touch with the DHBs directly to find out about their selection criteria.

9. What happens if I am matched to a hospital I don’t want to work at?
There is a possibility that you can be matched to any of the DHBs you have ranked and as per the ACE principles, there is an expectation that you will accept the offer of employment at the hospital you are matched to. To minimise chances of this happening, please don’t rank hospitals you are not willing to accept a position with.

10. I’ve been matched to a DHB, what are the next steps?
If you have been successfully matched to a DHB through the ACE scheme, you will be sent an offer of employment letter by that DHB. After you have accepted the job offer, the DHBs will liaise with you directly to organise further pre-employment documents.

11. I have not been matched to a DHB after the second ACE match. What should I do?
ACE will continue to communicate with all the DHBs to identify additional first year House Officer positions after the completion of the second match. ACE will also keep in touch with the unmatched applicants and will seek to assist where possible.

12. What are the important dates for the ACE scheme in 2010?
Please refer to the Important Dates page.